One of the key components to look for if you have school age children or are looking to start your family is the school ratings in the neighborhood you’re interested in. Schools are usually built in good neighborhoods and high rated school zones can increase home values. A few things to keep in mind though is that there could be higher pedestrian and car traffic during the school year which could lead to higher noise levels.
If a home is in a community where children are asked to walk to school instead of taking the bus, keep in mind that there is usually law enforcement nearby to ensure the safety of students and staff. Although on cold winter or rainy days walking might not be the favored option, it’ll give your kids a little extra outdoor time and exercise on days they probably wouldn’t get any.